AI Detects Up to 30% More Breast Cancers in Major International Trials
Ireland Poised for Precision Oncology leap in 2026 with advances in AI screening, diagnosis and personalisation paving the way for earlier detection and more effective treatment.
Artificial intelligence is set to transform breast cancer detection and treatment in Ireland, with major international trials showing AI-supported screening can detect up to 30% more breast cancers while dramatically reducing pressure on overstretched radiology services. Breast Cancer Ireland, Ireland’s leading breast cancer charity, says the findings mark a turning point for precision oncology, as AI, advanced imaging and targeted therapies reshape cancer care in Ireland in 2026 and beyond.
A recent survey of more than 1500 women attending the symptomatic clinic at the Beaumont Breast Centre, Dublin examined Irish patient’s views on the role of AI in healthcare, and in detection of breast cancer. Almost half of women (46%) agree that the use of AI in healthcare is a good idea, and 61% were comfortable with their mammogram being read by both a radiologist and an AI tool. However, patients remain somewhat cautious of this new technology with two thirds (66%) claiming that they would still prefer a radiologist to review their mammogram – even if AI was shown to be more accurate.
Two landmark studies – the MASAI trial in Sweden and the AI-STREAM trial in South Korea – show that AI used alongside specialist breast radiologists significantly improves cancer detection without increasing false alarms. Crucially, AI also identifies smaller, earlier-stage cancers, when treatment is most effective.
Professor Arnold Hill*, Chairman of Breast Cancer Ireland, and Consultant Breast & General Surgeon at the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, said the implications of this for patients and the health system are profound.
“This is one of the most important developments we’ve seen in breast cancer screening in decades,” Prof Hill said.
“For decades, mammography has been the cornerstone of early breast cancer detection. It’s a powerful tool, but it’s not perfect. Some cancers can be challenging to spot on a mammogram, especially in patients with dense breast tissue. With increasing demand for screening, many countries, including Ireland, have a shortage of breast radiologists – the highly-trained doctors who read mammograms. This puts pressure on the system and can lead to delays in diagnosis.”
He continued “Whilst AI doesn’t replace clinical expertise – it most certainly enhances it. Detecting up to 30% more cancers, while reducing radiologists’ workload by almost half, AI is a very significant advancement. Earlier diagnosis means more targeted treatment, less invasive surgery and better outcomes for the 3700 women impacted in Ireland every year.”
AI + Precision Treatment = The New Oncology Model
In Sweden, the up-to-date results from the MASAI trial***, published in 2025, involving over 100,000 women, showed AI-supported screening detected 338 cancers compared to 262 with traditional double-reading (where two radiologists reviewed each mammogram). As a result, Radiologist workload fell by 44%. Early results from South Korea’s AI-STREAM trial are similarly impressive, showing a 14% increase in detection, again without increasing unnecessary recalls. Crucially, AI support did not lead to more false alarms or unnecessary recalls. In fact, it helped radiologists spot smaller, early-stage cancers that are easier to treat and more likely to result in a cure.
According to Dr Prof Nuala Healy, Consultant Radiologist at the Breast Cancer Ireland–funded Beaumont Breast Centre, AI is already reshaping how specialists work. “AI gives breast radiologists an additional pair of expert eyes – prioritising the most challenging mammograms, helping detect subtle early cancers and easing routine workload so that radiologists can focus on complex patient imaging and procedures”
From AI to Robotics and Targeted Drugs
Prof Hill added “Detection is only the first step however. Ireland is entering an exciting new era where AI-led diagnosis, molecular profiling, robotics and targeted therapies are converging. Newer drugs, including Abemaciclib for high-risk breast cancer and advanced HER2-targeted therapies, are allowing more personalised treatment plans. At the same time, precision surgery means many patients – particularly those over 70 – can now avoid lymph node surgery, reducing complications and recovery time.
“This is real precision oncology in action,” Prof Hill continued. “We are tailoring treatment to the biology of each patient’s cancer, not using a one-size-fits-all approach. AI, advanced drugs and less invasive surgery are working together to improve survival and quality of life.”
Aisling Hurley, CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland says “The challenge now is ensuring Irish patients benefit quickly and equitably from these advances. The science is moving fast – and with the right investment in research and cutting-edge facilities, Ireland can be a world class leader in AI-enabled breast care – not a follower”. She continued “As always, we are urging people of all ages to be aware of the 8 signs and symptoms of the disease, to check themselves monthly, and to attend screenings when invited. AI and precision oncology are powerful – but they only work if people come forward for screening when invited and are fully breast aware in advance of this – so that they spot any cause for concern early. Early detection, backed by cutting-edge technology, is ultimately what saves lives.”
